The Interview
Posted on Wed Feb 13th, 2019 @ 6:42am by Captain Luka Mahone & Diane Kent
Edited on on Mon Oct 7th, 2019 @ 5:23am
2,046 words; about a 10 minute read
Mission:
Groundwork
Location: Sumi Saloon
Timeline: MD -10, 1920 Hrs
Sumi Saloon had seen no end to their business since the crash of the [I]Io[/I]. Both civilian and Starfleet alike found haven within its walls, hosting one rowdy party after another. But that was something Aarav had expected, hence the seemingly endless supply of alcohol that flowed throughout the night.
He left plenty for the pair seated in the back corner, which contained a booth he reserved for small, private parties. Tonight, it contained Commander Luka Mahone, who was equipped with the latest of Aarav's alcoholic concoctions, and Diane Kent, who had a beverage that was likely moderately less alcoholic.
“I apologize for how long it has taken for me to sit down and talk,” Luka explained, as if he hadn't been avoiding the reporter since he laid eyes on her, “We've been rather busy since the crash, and there's been enough of a personnel shuffle that I'm just buried under all that paperwork.”
“I can understand that,” Diane replied,” safety comes before story.” In truth, she would have wanted to be able to get some kind of information before now. However, the realist in her knew that this was the time to tread a bit lightly. She had not been able to forge any real relationships with the colonial powers that be and the time was not yet right to start stepping on toes. “Speaking of safety, how goes the progress of establishing a foothold on this world?”
“You'll have to ask Oliver about the ground side foothold, Ms. Kent.” Up to this point, Luka had been rather formal with the names he intended to use. The Colony's Director held a special place in the Commander's mind. “I can say that Starfleet is a good place now. We're currently using what is left of the Io as a base of operations, as we do not want to interfere with what has already been built. Arrangements are being made for more resources to be delivered, but until then, that is where we're at.”
“Do we know when those needed resources are expected to be delivered?” Diane asked as she quickly scribbled Luka’s answers into her PADD. Starfleet was good for the most part, even if they could run a little slow on certain deliveries at times. “Since you mentioned the Io serving as a sort of operations base, has there been any assignment of either a permanent or acting commander for the colony?”
Luka’s immediate response was a nervous laugh. He had not expected the question, despite the obviousness of it. “Well…” he took a large swig of the half-full glass in front of him, pausing to let the burn of alcohol travel down his throat. “I suppose if anyone is going to say anything, it should be me. We have… an acting Commanding Officer, but… how would you feel about helping me put together a press release for that information?”
Half expecting a canned answer regarding Starfleet and orders taking time that she usually, Diane’s attention was diverted immediately to Luka instead of her PADD. “Are you saying…” she almost blurted out in the public pub. “If you’re saying what I think you’re saying, you’ll almost need a whole press corps.”
“Really?” Luka's eyes widened, realization that he had absolutely no idea what he was talking about. He usually left that task to… anyone else. It had never been his job to worry about the image of Starfleet, but with the recent shift in hierarchy, he had a lot to think about. “The Starfleet contingent here doesn't have an intermediary for public-facing interactions. I think they just assumed Captain Matthews had it covered.” Trailing off, he narrowed his eyes at a thought. “You know, being the first reporter to the area, you would be top candidate for press secretary. If you're interested, of course.”
“Press secretary,” Diane sat back as she echoed the title as though she had never expected such a suggestion. She had never been a government lap dog, but there were too many secretaries who were. Maybe a career voice of the people could bring legitimacy and would be good for those who lived on the colony. “Are you sure you want me? I made a name questioning Starfleet, I’m sure you read the story about Rentillian IV,” she almost warned.
“Yes I have.” It wasn't a complete lie, but Luka had a hard time recalling the article, simply that Rentillian IV was under more investigative tape from multiple angles. “We'll have to find a happy medium, but you're the most experienced. And you're a lot more likely to be able to get to the people than I am.”
Instead of immediately replying, Diane leaned forward a bit to gather her thoughts. “That is true,” she responded, her joke sounding a bit weak as she tried to grasp what was being asked of her. “Before I answer, I need to know that you’ll be as open as you can be with the public. I won’t cover for lies and cover for a cult of personality.”
At this, Luka let out a laugh, unable to help himself at her statement. “You would be surprised at my track record. I'm surprised I wasn't forcibly ripped from this assignment the moment the [I]Io[/I] crashed. The only thing that's hidden around here is whatever they keep from me.”
That was the answer she wanted to hear. Diane tapped her glass on the table before downing what was left. Maybe it would take the sting out of what she was about to say. “I accept,” she answered. “Do I need to wear one of those?” she pointed to the Starfleet uniform.
“No. Well, maybe.” Luka frowned at the glass in front of him. “You’ll still be a civilian, so for the most part I don’t think I’ll enforce Starfleet civilian uniforms. I’ve heard enough complaints about how beige they are that I wouldn’t put you through that torture. For more formal things… we may have to work something out.”
“So this isn’t an enlistment?” Diane smiled as she teased the offer to join Starfleet. “I suppose we better get started on your press release,” she offered as she turned to the nearest server and pointed at her glass to indicate a refill request.
Luka let out a breath of amusement, one that didn't quite qualify as laughter. Then the nervousness set in, shoulders rising as he realized he would have to come clean and finally admit to someone what had transpired between himself and Commodore Minawara. “I guess so…” he trailed off, waiting for the server to set down a fresh pair of drinks and go about their business before continuing. “How does ‘Please Don't Crucify Commanding Officer Mahone’ sound? Is that too on the nose?”
“While the headline is rather eye-catching, I think you need to open with something a little less… fear inducing,” Diane replied. “I will hate myself for saying this, but your first press release needs to focus on what you plan for the colony and to give the people under you a bit of hope. It sets the tone for the rest of your time here.”
Luka leaned in across the table, look of mild panic on his face. Whether it was the booze or the thought that he was in charge of something, not even he could tell. “I don't have a plan, Ms. Kent. I just found out this morning I'm in the position. Aside from the investigation, all I can say is that I just want everyone to be safe. I'm not even sure that counts, no one's going to take that for a plan.”
Had she still been an investigative journalist, that statement would have been a gold mine. However a few seconds ago she had taken a job as press secretary, so she had offer any form of help that she could. “The people will want to feel safe and see something done to bolster that feeling. If you have department heads, they may want to make a plan for how to increase security and give the colony a sense of permanency.” She then made a small shrugging gesture with her hands, “It would make positive headlines at least.”
“That's probably ideal.” Luka let his statement sit, eyes glazing as he thought. “The first step is the investigation on the Io. I don't think it's any secret that someone had a hand in something. Three unpredictable explosions don't just… go off at once. I'm hoping we won't see them again on the colony, but I can't go by my hopes on that. I don't want to alarm anyone either.” It was clear he was being a little more open, but he was less aware of Diane's presence as he continued. “Past that, I suppose I should get a hold of Oliver and talk to him about making sure we're on the same page, but would we need to say that in a press release?”
"I would limit the press release to three things in this order, investigation of the Io, formation of a command staff, and plans to make the colony more livable and secure," Diane offered, counting on her hand as she made her list.
"Simple bits of digestible information." As a doctor, Luka was not at the top of his game at condensing what he had to say. Now was good a time as any to practice. "This should be easy then. Either that or I'm too buzzed to recognize the hurdle in front of me."
"Easy is dangerous," Diane pointed out. "Too much information may cause panic, too little may cause anger," she offered. Even she was not aware of exactly what Luka knew because she was the enemy up until this conversation. "Part of my new job is to help you find a happy medium."
"... Well, it sounds like I need that," Luka joked. "Or else I would have strolled right out in front of everyone and probably gone on so long that they were asking for it in layman's terms." Despite his humor, he had a rather serious gaze. "Why they asked a former doctor to head up a colony like this is beyond me, but I'm confident - once I'm sober - that I'll figure it out. Thank you, sincerely, for taking this position - which I will make official tomorrow morning."
"It's... my duty," Diane replied, searching for the right word for it. "If you don't mind," Diane started, nodding to her drink, "I better turn it in. It's sure to be a long couple of days." Just before she got up, she turned her gaze to Luka's eyes, "Thank you for offering the job, I mean that."
Luka's cheeks reddened, but before too long, he gave her a lopsided smile. "It will be, but I'll be sure you have a decent office on base to shelter yourself from anything that makes it longer. Once... we clear out some space." He paused upon a realization, standing up from his own seat, "Ah - I can walk you home, if you'd like?"
"Sure," Diane replied, with a nod. She really was only familiar with the paths between various government offices, if they could be called offices, and Sumi's. She had only been to her lodging once or twice, so she was not yet sure exactly how to get to it from here.
"Oh good." Not that Luka had the slightest on where he was going. He had yet to memorize the full map, but he had a general sense of where they were headed. The civilian abodes were closer to Haumea proper, at least. As he stood, Luka turned to the waitress who was approaching. He gave his clothes a pat, but was waved off by the woman, who gestured to the back as a sign to the Commander, before she began to clear the table, unphased. Luka blinked in bewilderment, before turning to Diane. "Shall we?"
"Let's go," Diane smiled as she stood from her chair. She gave the owner of the establishment a kind smile and wave of thanks before turning toward the door.
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